Rio Ferdinand has denied an FA charge of improper conduct relating to comments on Twitter

An FA spokesman

The Manchester United star is facing a possible hefty ban and fine after being charged with improper conduct over Twitter comments made about England team-mate Ashley Cole.

Ferdinand’s reputation is on the line after he was accused of abusing Cole after he gave evidence in support of John Terry at his recent racism trial.

He is in hot water after responding to a tweet that labelled Cole as a ‘choc ice’ – a term meaning ‘black on the outside and white on the inside’.

An FA spokesman said: “Rio Ferdinand has denied an FA charge of improper conduct relating to comments on Twitter.

“The allegation is that the player acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute by making comments which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race. The player has requested a personal hearing.”

Terry, who has also been charged with using racist language, was acquitted of racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother Anton at a trial in London.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has angrily denied suggestions he will pocket a bonus from new share plans of the club’s owners, the Glazer family.